Editorial Board

Ms. McManaman

Megan McManaman

Senior Product Marketing Manager, Chadwick Martin Bailey

As CMB’s Senior Product Marketing Manager, Megan McManaman works closely with CMB’s practice leaders and clients to drive the firm’s overall product and content strategy and build demand for CMB’s solutions in new and existing markets.
Ms. McManaman works with the firm’s leading global clients including Aflac, Hilton Hotels, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Dell, to translate data into compelling narratives. A former research analyst, Ms. McManaman also leads CMB’s self-funded Consumer Pulse initiative dedicated to exploring trends in mobile technology, travel, entertainment, and finance.
Ms. McManaman earned her M.A. in Applied Sociology, with an emphasis in qualitative methods, from University of Massachusetts and her B.A. in Sociology from Dickinson College.
Please visit www.cmbinfo.com for more information.

Megan McManaman's articles

Mobile Technology: Relentless Innovation

Technology has become a crucial component in attracting and retaining hotel guests, and the need to enhance a guest’s technology experience is driving a relentless pace of innovation. To meet and exceed guest expectations, 54% of hotels will spend more on technology in 2018, and mobile solutions in particular will top the list of capital investments. Many hotels are integrating mobile booking, mobile keys, mobile payments and mobile check-in into their operations. Other hotels are emphasizing the in-room experience, boosting bandwidth and upgrading flat screen TVs to more easily interface with guest mobile devices. And though not yet mainstream, there are many exciting technology developments on the near horizon. The Internet of Things (loT) is taking form in some places, and can be found in guest room control systems, voice activation systems, and in wearable sensors that can be used for access and payment options. Virtual reality headsets are available at some hotels so guests can enjoy virtual trips to exotic locations or if off-property, preview conference facilities and guest rooms. How long will it be before a hotel employs a fleet of robots for room service, or utilizes a hologram as a concierge, or installs gesture-controlled walls that feature interactive digital displays? Some hotels are already using augmented reality for translation services, or interactive wall maps, or even virtual décor. This pace of innovation is challenging property owners and brands to stay on top of the latest technology trends while still addressing current projects. The January Hotel Business Review will explore what some hotels are doing to maximize their opportunities in the mobile technology space.